Volve Outdrive Problem: I really messed up and need help

[SoonerWarVet]

Just bought a brand new Glastron GT185 with a Volvo 3.0. We moved the boat into the garage after a day of boating. I had a spotter in the back watching the outdrive, as I was trimming it as far down as I could to make room so I could still walk behind it. The person clearly didn't know what they were doing as I instructed them to tell me when I was 4 inches from the concrete floor. Well, next thing you know the front end of the boat is coming up because the outdrive trimmed down and the fin on the bottom was pushing against the concrete.

The fin is now very slightly bent to the left on the very back (aft) tip.

Should I worry about this? Can I still use the boat until I get it fixed? Can it even be fixed without having to replace the entire outdrive?

I am first time boat owner and I clearly messed up. I guess it is a lesson learned. I know have my wife back there when I lower the unit because she really wants to take good care of the boat.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!!!!

SoonerWarVet

Operation Iraqi Freedom / Operation Enduring Freedom

"Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens." - The late and great Jimi Hendrix

 

[danf1000]

Re: Volve Outdrive Problem: I really messed up and need help

run it. it'll be fine. It might give you a little steer though.

Aluminum can sometimes be a little brittle. It is best to find someone familiar with the outdrive and what they can get away with on it to straighten it. or you could do it yourself, and if it breaks off grind in a little bit of a fillet. No one would ever know.

I would use a large adjustable wrench to straigten it. Consider putting some heat on it.

 

[SoonerWarVet]

Re: Volve Outdrive Problem: I really messed up and need help

Thanks!! I will probably just run it as is this summer. And then when I take it in for the winterization and outdrive service this fall, have the dealer fix it.

Do you think that weight that was put on the outdrive messed anything up?

I have taken it out a few times since it happened and the boat drives like a champ. It doesn't even pull from one side or another. And I haven't noticed anything on turning either. More just worried about the outdrive itself with the weight on it.

Thanks so much!!

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Volve Outdrive Problem: I really messed up and need help

No worries, you didn't hurt a thing. And Thank You for your service.